Gareth Brisbane has shared a deeply personal tribute to his late wife, Married at First Sight relationship expert Mel Schilling, on what would have been their eighth wedding anniversary.
Posting through Mel’s social media account, Gareth shared a photograph from their 2018 wedding in Bali. The image captured the couple kissing as Gareth held their daughter, Maddie, surrounded by friends and family celebrating alongside them.
In his message, Gareth reflected on how a date once associated with one of the happiest moments of his life had become especially difficult. Although they did not reach eight years of marriage or fifteen years together, he focused on the love, adventures and family life they had been fortunate enough to share.
He recalled knowing from their first date that he wanted to build a future with Mel. Rather than concentrating only on what had been lost, his words celebrated the depth of their relationship and the memories that remain part of his life.
Gareth also offered followers a gentle update about Maddie. He said father and daughter were in a supportive place as they continued adjusting and expressed how proud Mel would have been of the young person their daughter was becoming.
Mel died peacefully on 24 March 2026 at the age of 54. She had been diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023 and later revealed that the illness had spread despite surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Her family said she was surrounded by love when she died.
Throughout her treatment, Mel continued appearing on the UK and Australian editions of Married at First Sight. Colleagues and former participants remembered her for the warmth, clarity and compassion she brought to people navigating difficult relationships.
She also used her public platform to encourage others not to dismiss persistent changes in their health. After initially believing her severe abdominal symptoms might be caused by constipation, Mel continued seeking medical advice until a scan revealed a tumour. She repeatedly urged followers to speak to a doctor when something did not feel right.
Gareth’s anniversary tribute does not attempt to hide the pain of grief. Instead, it remembers a relationship shaped by affection, parenthood and almost fifteen years of shared experiences.
For those who followed Mel’s television career and health journey, the message offered a simple but meaningful reminder: losing someone does not remove the place they continue to hold within a family’s memories.
